I'm looking to build a cheap little Internet appliance that will connect to my DSL modem. I'll run Apache and use it as a gateway. I want something small and quiet. I'm currently holding out for FlexATX Intel box when I can buy a generic case about the size of an IPaq. StrongArm would be better because it will run 24x7. Here's what I'd like. No PS/2, Parallel or Serial ports 4 USB ports. Very quiet and very small. I could live without PCI but I need two ethernet ports. Getting dual ethernet is the big problem. Has anyone done this with a StrongArm or Intel? The NetWinder is about right but it is expensive for what you get, IMHO.
Has anyone looked into building their own miniserver? Intel has the microATX motherboard format. I'd like to get a dual processing Celeron in a Sony Vaio form factor. Turn the CD/DVD on its side and the box doesn't need to be that wide. Throw out the ISA slots, floppy drive(CD boot), parallel, serial and PS/2 connectors and save even more space on the motherboard. 4 USB ports with Firewire would give it plenty of expandability.
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It's great that you make bold statements like this. However, my inclination is to disbelieve you unless you provide some verifiable facts.
I'm looking to build a cheap little Internet appliance that will connect to my DSL modem. I'll run Apache and use it as a gateway. I want something small and quiet. I'm currently holding out for FlexATX Intel box when I can buy a generic case about the size of an IPaq. StrongArm would be better because it will run 24x7. Here's what I'd like. No PS/2, Parallel or Serial ports 4 USB ports. Very quiet and very small. I could live without PCI but I need two ethernet ports. Getting dual ethernet is the big problem. Has anyone done this with a StrongArm or Intel? The NetWinder is about right but it is expensive for what you get, IMHO.
Has anyone looked into building their own miniserver? Intel has the microATX motherboard format. I'd like to get a dual processing Celeron in a Sony Vaio form factor. Turn the CD/DVD on its side and the box doesn't need to be that wide. Throw out the ISA slots, floppy drive(CD boot), parallel, serial and PS/2 connectors and save even more space on the motherboard. 4 USB ports with Firewire would give it plenty of expandability.
-Mike